What is Base64 decoding?

Base64 decoding is the reverse process of Base64 encoding - it converts Base64-encoded text strings back into their original binary format (files, images, documents, etc.). When you receive Base64-encoded data from an API, database, or email, you need to decode it to restore the original file. This process is essential for retrieving files that were previously encoded for text-based transmission or storage, allowing you to download and use them in their native format.

Tool Description

This tool provides a simple, focused way to convert Base64 encoded strings back into downloadable files. Simply paste your Base64 string (with or without data URL prefix), and the tool automatically detects the file type, validates the data, and allows you to download the decoded file. It handles both pure Base64 strings and complete data URLs with MIME type information, making it perfect for quickly recovering files from Base64 representations.

Features

  • Base64 String Input: Paste any Base64 encoded string
  • Data URL Support: Automatically handles complete data URLs (data:image/png;base64,...)
  • Automatic File Type Detection: Identifies file type using magic numbers even without data URL prefix
  • Smart MIME Type Recognition: Detects PNG, JPEG, GIF, WebP, PDF, MP3, MP4, ZIP, fonts, and more
  • Image Preview: Shows preview for decoded image files
  • File Extension Recognition: Automatically determines correct file extension
  • Custom File Naming: Specify your own filename for the download
  • Format Validation: Real-time validation of Base64 format
  • Instant Download: One-click file download after decoding
  • Multiple File Types: Supports images, PDFs, documents, videos, audio, fonts, and more

Use Cases

  • API Response Handling: Download files received as Base64 from APIs
  • Email Attachment Recovery: Decode Base64 attachments from email content
  • Database File Extraction: Retrieve files stored as Base64 in databases
  • Web Development: Test and verify Base64 encoded resources
  • Data URL Conversion: Convert data URLs back to downloadable files
  • Image Recovery: Extract images from Base64 representations
  • Font File Retrieval: Decode Base64 font files for local use
  • PDF Document Extraction: Recover PDF files from Base64 encoding
  • Testing & Debugging: Verify Base64 encoded file data during development
  • Cross-Platform File Transfer: Decode files shared as Base64 text

Supported File Types

The tool can decode Base64 strings to any file type, with automatic detection for:

  • Images: JPEG, PNG, GIF, WebP, SVG, BMP, ICO
  • Documents: PDF, TXT, JSON, XML, CSV
  • Videos: MP4, AVI, MOV, WebM, MKV
  • Audio: MP3, WAV, OGG, M4A, FLAC
  • Fonts: TTF, WOFF, WOFF2, OTF, EOT
  • Archives: ZIP, RAR, 7Z
  • Any binary file: The tool handles all Base64 encoded data universally